Best of CNY Chicken Wing Showdown: Judges go to final stop, Original Italian Pizza (OIP)

Stephen D. Cannerelli / The Post-StandardOIP (Original Italian Pizza) at 1601 West Genesee Street in Syracuse is one of the eight finalists in the Best of Chicken Wing Showdown. They are known for their char-grilled wings.

The Best of CNY Chicken Wing Showdown started with readers picking their eight favorite eight wing eateries. Over two months, our panel of judges visited each one to test their Buffalo-style wing and any specialty flavors.

Their story: Char-grilled wings have been OIP's claim to fame since owners Joe Crabbe and Rosario Amato opened the first shop about eight years ago on James Street downtown.

After frying the wings, the cooks pop them onto a grill and let the fire seal the deal. They keep the wings moving on the grill so each side is equally kissed by fire.

"The flames bring out the flavor in the sauce," said Tim Mack, the general manager of the OIP on Genesee. "We have our own spice recipe for the sauce, and we use real butter, not imitation. People notice the difference."

Central New York now has six OIPs that go through 14,000 pounds of chicken wings each week. That includes this week's testing spot on West Genesee Street on Tipperary Hill.

Tested: Grilled and non-grilled of hot, medium and honey garlic.

The Best of CNY Chicken Wing Showdown OIP (Original Italian Pizza)OIP (Original Italian Pizza) is one of the eight finalists in the Best of Chicken Wing Showdown. Our panel of experts sat down and tasted their wings prepared by their manager Joe Scarson at their West Genesee Street location. The panel included Syracuse.com's Charlie Miller and Katie Kramer, K-Rock's Nixon and Syracuse City Court Judge James Cecile. A full review will be in this Friday's Post-Standard. Video by Stephen D. Cannerelli (1:59)

Judges' Comments:

Charlie Miller, Post-Standard social media manager: "These wings are vastly different from the regular fry-'em-up and soak-'em-up chicken wing. The char-grilled flavor adds an entirely new dimension to the wing. I got on the business-end of the grilled hot wings, and there was nothing left on my plate but a bunch of bones. OIP is throwing a backyard barbecue in my mouth, and we're all invited!"

Katie Kramer, syracuse.com producer: "It's obvious why they were voted as one of the top eight spots. All the wings at OIP were great. I recommend the honey garlic char-gilled wings. Not only are they grilled to perfection, but they also have a great sweet taste."

James Cecile, Syracuse City Court Judge: "These OIP wings are A-OK. All the flavors were really good and well done. If you haven't had their normal non-grilled Buffalo wing, you should try it. I would comment on the specific attributes of each flavor, but because they were so good, I ate them too fast to really have an accurate recollection. In the future, I'll eat slower and more carefully."

Nixon from K-Rock radio: "Very good on all counts. It is obvious why the char-grilled are as popular as they are. Amazing flavor, and that grilled taste brings something other places lack. The hot char-grilled were my favorite of the bunch. OIP fans, you may have a tasty new flavor coming soon, and all I can say is keep checking in. It's worth it!"

NEXT WEEK: We'll announce the winners of the Best of CNY Chicken Wing Showdown.